My Generation

So there is a new show on this year called My Generation. It is the story of a bunch of people ten years out of high school. It is shot documentary style but they are fictional characters. I think it is interesting because there is so much that has happened in the last ten years in our country and there are so many directions people go after high school. I suppose I like it because I am partial to nostalgia and retrospection. I like to think about my own like and where I've been since throwing that square hat in the air some 7 years ago now. But the reason I say all that is because the choices we all make really do determine the value of our lives in this life and the next...

I decided to go into social work because it was one of the few professions I felt I could do some good in other's lives and be a christian at the same time given the talents God has given me. I could have walked down many roads and I can't help but watch a show like that and wonder if my life would count for anything had I made the wrong choices. Would I be stuck in some dead end job not using my gifts, would I spend my weekends at some bar instead of pouring into kids at church or would I be in a relationship that wasn't glorifying to God instead of married to my wife.

I suppose I say all this to say how important it is to take a look at one's life to make sure it means something more than "The American Dream" more than just getting ahead. I'm not their yet but I'm happy to say I am where I am supposed to be.

What it is to be blessed

Starting my third week of work as a social worker I am reminded of how blessed I can be without even knowing it. This weekend was filled with many of the things I love including spending time with my wife, hanging out with the 9th grade guys and watching the Packers and USC win some games. It was a great weekend, but every weekend for the next five months could look the same if I'm not careful. What I mean is that my life as a christian, as a husband, as a social worker had to be balanced.

It seems guys often get overwhelmed with the "fun" parts of life like sports but end up missing some of the more important things like building relationships. I hope I can find a balance that the lord will be pleased with. Whether that means limiting my time in front of a tv or computer or taking the effort to spend time with the 9th grade guys I'm working with, I hope I am up for the challenge. If I can find a good balance I think I will do something better than just be blessed...I might be able to bless others with the gifts God has given me.

A new chapter...

Well, I have officially finished one week of nursing school. A bizillion more to go. I have a myriad of emotions as Errik and I begin this new chapter. I am excited to finally begin what I have been waiting a long time to start. However, this week has been very overwhelming and slightly stressful, ok very stressful. Errik has been a huge help with doing more things around the house and encouraging me every single day that I can do this. Thats what I have to keep reminding myself...everyday. I can do this. This has probably been one of the hardest things I have had to do thus far. I am constantly trying to tell myself to enjoy the journey. On the flip side of that, I am so excited to begin this journey and cant wait to start working in the hospital!

The great thing is that for once Errik and I feel we are exactly where the Lord wants us. We have been surrounded by great friends, an awesome family and a wonderful church that has encouraged us in so many facets of life. For that, we are truly blessed. So cheers to beginning the next 2 years of our life and after that...who knows! The possibilities are endless...

Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave but not our hearts.

Well, I am back from Chicago. Being in Chicago was amazing but going "home" is still such a strange oddity to me. This was the first trip that I really began to feel like Columbia is becoming our home. This summer I was really homesick. I mean REALLY homesick. I have never felt that way before and cant really pinpoint why. I do think that one of the hardest parts about being away is that we have 3 of the most adorable nieces with 2 more on the way! I wish I could be there to watch them grow up and hear all the funny things they say but I do know that Columbia is right where we need to be...for the time being at least.

Well, I was very blessed to have the opportunity to go back "home" and "recharge my batteries" as Errik put it. And I did just that. I was able to do almost all the things I wanted to do while I was home...visit with friends and family a lot, go downtown, eat at portillos, have chicago style pizza (VERY hard to find in the south...) and celebrate my sisters 30th birthday. I even was a full scale tourist in the city with a camera around my neck and all (yeah, im cool). We took the architectural tour down the chicago river, right through the heart of the city. I was speechless. Amazing, everyone should do it even if you have lived in chicago your whole life.

However, leaving "home" provided mixed emotions this time. I enjoyed every minute of being there and playing with my 2 1/2 yr old niece Olivia but after a week seemed ready to be back in real life. Back to the hot south where the air conditioning has been full blast since the beginning of June, where people talk funny, where sweet tea is offered at every meal and where my husband and Aspen are waiting for me. What I noticed was that home wasnt the sense of the geographical surroundings. It didnt matter where I was but who I was with. I am not only blessed with one home but two.

This is my first post on Renee and I's blog. Hopefully I don't screw it up to badly. Renee is in Chicago with the fame this week so I've been a bachelor all week. I'm looking forward to her coming home. Also I start my new job at Ascension Hospice on Tuesday. I'm excited to actually be a social worker after six total years of college and four years of serving tables and who knows how many other odd jobs. It will certainly take some adjusting having a "big kid" job and a job which challenges you with strong emotion on a regular basis but I am up for that challenge. Thats all for now...tune in next time.

It's only the beginning...

Errik and I are going to try this out. Being away from family and friends has left it very challenging to keep in touch the way we would like. From the quirks of everyday living in the south to the challenges of where to go and what to do next, this is our journey of moving away from the known and into the unknown. Hang on for the ride...its about to get CRAZY!